Couscous Salad with Tomato, Cucumber & Za’atar Recipe
This Summer Couscous Salad with Tomato, Cucumber & Za’atar is a vibrant, healthy, and easy-to-prepare dish perfect for warm days. Featuring fluffy chickpea couscous soaked to perfection, fresh cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, baby spinach, and a tangy za’atar lemon dressing, this salad combines Mediterranean flavors with wholesome ingredients for a refreshing and satisfying meal or side dish.
- Prep Time: 00:09
- Cook Time: 00:00
- Total Time: 00:15
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 7.8 fl. oz. (230 ml) water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 5.3 oz. (150 g) chickpea couscous*
- 2 tbsp raisins
- 10.6 oz. (300 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, chopped
- 1 handful baby spinach leaves
For the Dressing:
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Za’atar*
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Garnish:
- Some crumbled shepherd’s cheese or feta
- Some chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare the couscous: Add the water and salt to a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Place the chickpea couscous and raisins in a heatproof bowl, then pour the boiling water over them. Stir well and set aside for about 10 minutes, allowing the couscous to soak up the water and become fluffy.
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes. Chop the cucumber into small pieces. Wash and drain the baby spinach leaves thoroughly. Add all these fresh ingredients to a large salad bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and za’atar. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced tangy and herby flavor.
- Assemble the salad: Fluff the soaked couscous gently with a fork to separate the grains. Add the couscous to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing evenly over the salad and mix everything thoroughly to combine flavors.
- Add garnishes and serve: Sprinkle the salad with crumbled shepherd’s cheese or feta and scatter chopped walnuts on top for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this fresh, healthy salad.
Notes
- You can substitute chickpea couscous with regular wheat couscous if desired.
- Za’atar is a Middle Eastern herb blend that can be found in specialty stores or online; it imparts a fragrant, slightly tangy flavor.
- Add more lemon juice or olive oil to adjust the dressing to your taste.
- For a vegan option, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
